Sydney Fishing Report - 11/12/2019

Sydney Harbour has been on fire lately, with the warmer days approaching the harbour has been alive with a lot of surface action from species like Kingfish, Aussie Salmon, Bonito and Tailor chasing up bait schools to the surface.

The weather hasn't been playing nice lately with all the bush fires covering the city in smoke and the high winds we have experienced lately. Don't let this put you off when there's a will - there's a way! 

Bait Fishing

Live is always best, otherwise, get them fresh if you have no time. However, if you spend at least the first hour dedicated to catching live bait, it will always put you in the best seat to producing the results you're after. 

Live Yakkas or Yellowtail have been smashing it out there with species like Kingfish, Jewfish, Salmon and Bonito. Once these die out, don't throw to waste - cut them into fillets and drop them on a lighter outfit and find some flats for the good old Flattie. 

You can access Yellowtail almost anywhere throughout the harbour, places such as Milsons Point Wharf, Watsons Bay, or just look out for bait balls on your sounder. Burley up with some bread crumbs and a can of cat food, we recommend a small shank hook and small pieces of beef mince or chicken on the end of it with light mono line (unweighted). Otherwise, the good old Sabiki Live Jigs work a treat.  

Squid have been scarce lately but the obvious places with a good seabed of kelp and grass are a hot spot for these prime predators waiting for a jig to come bouncing above their heads. 

Jewfish can almost be found anywhere around the harbour right now and some good fresh squid can always put you in a good position to scoring one. If you're chasing smaller species such as Whiting, Bream, Snapper, then the good old Pilchards can work a treat. 

Lure Fishing 

Lure fishing at the moment is a big thing, with anglers stocking up their tackle bags to cast a line and save themselves the hassle of the messy fishing involved in using bait. On the other hand, Lure fishing can be quite rewarding - the feeling of adrenaline you get when you feel that fish smash the end whilst you're jerking and whipping to entice them up!

Vibe lures are almost the best to use and can help produce several species when used correctly. A lost of anglers are successful on these and have caught a range of species including Jewfish, Bream, Flathead and more. 

Fishing Hot Spots - Boat

For anglers that have access to a boat, the best locations to look for these fish would be on your sounder. Having a good sounder which is tuned with your services always help to identify the best action below the surface. 

Look for big traces of bait fish and dark markings below them. Find the bait - find the fish. Sturctures usually produce well, you will see around the harbour there are the usual markers you will come across floating. They usually stock some good fish around them, be careful not to venture off into restricted areas such as Navy zones. 

Fishing Hot Spots - Land Based

We are so lucky to have access to the best wharves around Sydney in general, most of the harbour and river systems accomodate for a comfortable fishing experience. Some of our favoured spots are Clifton Gardens, Milsons Point, Greenwich, Abbotsford, Balmain Wharf, The Piers and the list can go on.

Please be very mindful of your surroundings with the noise as there are local residents nearby and if you bring your bait, food, etc. be sure to clean up after yourself. 

Fishing The Wind 

When it comes to windy weather, don't be afraid to get out there and find a spot suitable for a fish. We always check sites such as Willy Weather to determine the direction of the wind blowing. 

You can fish against it by finding a cove or inlet, otherwise, choose a spot where you can cast with the wind which gives you a better casting result.

Use heavier sinkers if you're fishing baits as the current will be stronger and this way the line can remain in a suitable position to where you originally cast your rod. 

If you're using lures, then apply the same principle and try to eliminate your lure from flapping around when being cast and retrieved. Try attaching more weight without compromising the movement of the lure itself.